Iyara Thai Restaurant

7 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  8      Service  6      Value  7     

This is Authentic Thai (not sure why some described it otherwise), the chef skills are not the best though, some dishes had the cashewnut burnt and the red bell pepper tasted funny in 2 dishes but overall we enjoyed the Green Curry, Pad Thai, Pad See Ew

Ambience: new building, nice decor, spacious interior.

Service: no frills, no small talk, could be improved, however, they accepted the entertainment voucher despite we took the lunch special.

Value: from $11.90 for lunch special with 1 soft drink included, outside that you need to fork out $25 a main, large portions served makes the value above average.

Jan 05, 2012 

3.3 Below Average

Food  5      Ambience  5      Service  2      Value  1     

I have been to Iyara a few times and thought it was quite good. I am familiar with the size of the servings. One of those times was with seven people and we had a banquet menu and the three mains served were two of each dish & we ordered two extra entrees.

I have been back recently with a party of six and ordered banquet menu similarly priced also ordered two extra entrees, there were also three mains in this banquet. When only one of each standard size main (not bigger) were delivered to the table we were told we could have "top-ups" of two of the dishes - a chicken dish & a Massaman beef but no top-up of the seafood dish! We asked for a "top-up" of the chicken dish and could have done with a "top-up" of the Massaman beef but really by then we were all pretty cheesed off and just wanted to go, plus having to always ask for extra rice.

The restaurant was not crowded so they weren't run off their feet. Our bill came to $36 a head. I have looked at the menu and allowing extra cost for six pieces instead of four pieces in the entree selections, I have calculated that if we had ordered singularly from the menu it would have cost us $24 a head - $71 cheaper than what we paid! I won't go back there, plenty of other Thai to go to in the same area.

Apr 07, 2011 

4.5 Below Average

Food  3      Ambience  6      Service  6      Value  3     

Very disapppointing. None of those desired zesty fresh thai flavours of chilli, lime, coriander. basil, fish sauce were evident in this food. Did we order the wrong dishes? Fried dishes were very oily and lacking in taste. Lamb shanks in an uninteresting creamy peanut sauce were ho hum. Duck with 2 sauces? Sugar cane prawns were O.K. but not thai flavoured at all.

The chilli suace had absolutely no heat. Everything was totally dumbed down and very bland, the opposite of what thai food ought to be. Is there another Iyara that people have been reviewing so positively? Won't go back here. Really disappointed. Nice room and service however.

Apr 07, 2011 

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  9      Service  8      Value  7     

What a Great Thai restaurant! I've been here a few times now and can honestly say the Thai I have eaten here is better than the Thai I've had in Thailand.

Food is so fresh, different to your standard Thai (but still keeping the traditional dishes that most people love). There is a lot of variety on the menu, the atmosphere of the restaurant is generally pretty good, only thing I'm not too keen on, is some of the tables have stools without backs on them, which is not great if you're sitting there for a long time (say with a group of friends).

With regards to the pricing, the prices are not cheap. It is definitely expensive for Thai, but I don't have any issues in paying $$ for food if it's worth it, and in this instance I can say that I think it is. Would definitely recommend it and will be going back as it's local to me and very quickly becoming one of my favourite restaurants.

Mar 09, 2011 

5.8 Average

Food  7      Ambience  6      Service  8      Value  2     

I felt that the food and service here were fine but this restaurant is poor value for money when there are better, cheaper Thai restaurants within walking distance. The ambience here is more stylish than your average Thai but once it was full it was very noisy and we were shouting to hear each other. For Thai at this price I'd expect at least a rarified atmosphere and some tablecloths.

Feb 06, 2011 

8 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  8     

We have been here numerous times and have always been impressed with the food. It is a favourite for us to take guests to and they are always impressed.
When there are a lot of people, the place does get very noisy and at these times it is not a place for a long overdue catchup, but you can always sit outside.

All in all, a definite favourite for us and friends and come highly recommended to others.

Dec 10, 2010 

9.3 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  8     

Been there a few times with family and friends. The food was fascinating, well present. The atmosphere was quite dark, but very romantic with candles on every tables. The price was a bit dear, but it was worth it, you can share it with your friends and split the bills. Love the service, well greeted and very kindly staff. Friday and Saturday is a busy night and sometimes booked out, we were lucky enough to get seats without booking. Good place to go to with family and friends!

Nov 09, 2010 

7 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  7      Service  6      Value  7     

I've enjoyed several dinners at Iyara. On each occasion the restaurant was very busy, which made for sometimes haphazard service, but the menu choices were interesting and the food very good. Add to that a nicely-decorated room and easy parking and it makes for a pleasant night out.

Aug 02, 2010 

10 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  10     

I love my Thai and after my fourth time here for dinner, I am aghast as to why people are not raving about this one! A nice little pearl in the thai studded gladesville crown. Staff are always happy and friendly and even when busy, they are prompt with drinks etc - hubby and mates like a drink and never have had to hassle for refills.

Sugarcane prawn is stunning, green pawpaw salad with soft shell crab delightful, spiced pork ribs are to die for and even simple things like curry puffs are done really well. Went recently for a friends birthday and they made a huge fuss with candles and singing etc - made the night!

Have tried all in town, walks all over the far inferior other new kid in town 'Red Spoon', do yourself a favour, Iyara is worth a go if you like your thai with a little flair and friendly service.

May 04, 2010 

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  8      Value  8     

I'm surprised to see people voting so low and also to complain so much for such a great Thai restaurant. The food, the ambience, service and location are optimum for us. We've going to this restaurant since it has opened, have tried almost everything on the menu and take all our friends to enjoy their tastebuds.

Great seafood dishes, decorated with special attention to details. It is indeed a pleasure to once again find a Thai eatery with true original flavours. You can enjoy your day and even not to be rushed at all despite not ordering anything and having a full house.

Mar 08, 2010